There's notes of his
family, his ships, and a lot of silly things he used to say, which she
thinks funny."
"I couldn't do it!" said the captain seriously, as he took the book.
"You could do it if you liked," said Pepper. "Besides, think what a
spree it'll be for you. Learn it by heart, then come down and claim her.
Her name's Martha."
"What good 'ud it do you if I did?" inquired the captain. "She'd soon
find out!"
"You come down to Sunset Bay," said Pepper, emphasising his remarks with
his forefinger; "you claim your wife; you allude carefully to the things
set down in this book; I give Martha back to you and bless you both.
Then"--
"Then what?" inquired Crippen anxiously.
"You disappear!" concluded Pepper triumphantly; "and, of course,
believing her first husband is alive, she has to leave me. She's a very
particular woman; and, besides that, I'd take care to let the neighbours
know. I'm happy, you're happy, and, if she's not happy, why, she don't
deserve to be."
"I'll think it over," said Crippen, "and write and let you know."
"Make up your mind now," urged Pepper, reaching over and patting him
encouragingly upon the shoulder. "If you promise to do it, the thing's
as good as done. Lord! I think I see you now, coming in at that door and
surprising her.
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